MOUNT DORA

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — People in Mount Dora are still looking for answers one year after someone shot and killed a husband and wife inside their small market. Startling surveillance video from that night shows a masked gunman inside the T & N Market barking orders just before he opened fire on the owners. Even though the owners, “Ken” Trinh and “Tina” Nguyen, seemed to comply, the gunman still opened fire and killed the couple. The store just reopened Tuesday for the first time in a year under new ownership. READ: Second victim in Mount Dora convenience store shooting dies, suspect still soughtThere is still a $10,000 reward being offered for information that leads to the killer.

Tuesday marks one year since the shooting that killed the couple who owned T&N Market in Mount Dora.

Mount Doral Police ask for the public's help to find missing man, John Ryals, 43.

Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years.

Residents in Lake County will head to the polls in early November to vote in several races including Mount Dora mayor, Mount Dora city council and Tavares city council.

The indigenous people who called America home before Europeans settled on the land still have a presence here.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Mount Dora man died in a crash late Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before midnight, troopers said a 44-year-old man was eastbound on State Road 46 near Carroll Street when he left the roadway and overturned. They said the man was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. READ: Deputies: Florida toddlers drown in neighbor’s swimming pool after grandmother reports them missingSee a map of the scene below:READ: Police: Father beat 12-year-old, left him in laundry room to dieREAD: Police deny claims that DNA didn’t match Brian Laundrie’s remainsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Mount Dora is about to get conspicuously mellow once again as the Florida Cannabis Festival returns in early November. For a second year, Renninger's Twin...

Over 400 vendors will take over the historic streets of downtown Mount Dora this weekend as part of a popular annual festival.

Mount Dora fire Firefighters have shut down roadways in downtown Mount Dora after a fire broke out at a downtown business. (City of Mount Dora)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Firefighters have shut down roadways in downtown Mount Dora after a fire broke out at a downtown business. Mount Dora police are urging people to avoid the downtown area due to the fire. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<City officials said heavy smoke clouds were seen coming from Segway of Central Florida on Alexander Street. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

Less than 12 hours after watching The Villages High School football team dismantle Leesburg in the first-ever meeting between the two neighbors, I ventured out to where it all begins.

Catching gator: A Florida man used a trash bin to capture an alligator at his Mount Dora home. (Bob D'Angelo/Cox Media Group)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — In Florida, capturing an alligator is apparently as easy as taking out the trash. An Army veteran in Central Florida, however, was able to use a trash bin to corral the gator, who had wandered onto his yard in Mount Dora. As Malik approaches the alligator with the 95-gallon, rollable trash bin, the reptile stands its ground at first. Malik then shoves the bin forward and the gator thrashes inside the bin as the man tips the receptacle into an upright position.

The incident occurred Sept. 14 when the suspects began harassing customers, asking for monetary donations for an alleged youth basketball league, which police discovered to be fraudulent.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A new sculpture honoring the journalist who uncovered the injustices in the Groveland Four case was just revealed in Mount Dora on Friday. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Journalist Mabel Norris Reese exposed corruption and faced terrible threats during her quest for the truth. Reese’s coverage of the Groveland Four case was groundbreaking and still has an impact today. Mabel Norris Reese A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. On Friday, a small crowd gathered in Mount Dora’s Sunset Park to celebrate Reese’s courage and permanently memorialize her legacy.

Through a celebration of courage, dozens came out to see the brand-new sculpture of Mabel Norris Reese.

Mabel Norris Reese A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. (Mount Dora)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. The event scheduled for 10 a.m. at Sunset Park, called “A Celebration of Courage,” will honor journalist Mabel Norris Reese. McCall also launched a rival newspaper to challenge Reese’s Mount Dora Topic. READ: ‘A very worthwhile journey’: Groveland Four monument unveiled in Lake CountyFunding Reese project began with donations from across the country through GoFundMe, and continued with grants from the Mount Dora Public Arts Commission, Mount Dora Community Trust, and other personal contributions.

A man who was released from prison two weeks ago is accused of robbing an 85-year-old woman at knifepoint, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

What we're talking about here is Orlando's best tiny restaurants, where you can feel the heat from the kitchen, the tables are crammed too close together, and you can overhear every conversation from nearby tables. These Orlando restaurants may be small, but the flavor they serve on a daily basis is anything but.

Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Business owners in Mount Dora, Winter Garden and elsewhere across Central Florida said they had a strong summer season, closing in on levels last seen in 2019. Lot of people coming out, some locals, but a lot of out-of-towners.”Ganung’s experience matches reports by Visit Florida. The tourism agency’s Q2 report said domestic travelers had exceeded 2019 levels, but international travel was still down. #ICYMI: @VISITFLORIDA’s marketing helped deliver skyrocketing growth for Florida tourism in the second quarter of 2021, including a 6% increase from 2019 domestic visitation. Despite the statewide unemployment average increasing throughout the summer, unemployment rates in local counties dropped between June and July 2021, according to state labor statistics.

After shifting to virtual learning for several weeks, the sixth-grade class at Round Lake Charter School returned to campus Monday.

A man wanted for attempted murder in Apopka was last seen in Mount Dora, according to police.

Round Lake Charter School in Mount Dora announced Monday that it is quarantining its entire sixth-grade class due to an influx of COVID-19 cases and will continue classes virtually for the next couple of weeks, officials said.

T&N Market is on sale, once a community store is now the site of a painful reminder of a double homicide that took place last year.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Firefighters are battling a house fire in Mount Dora. Just after 3 a.m., Orange County Fire Rescue was called to a home on Clayton Street due to the flames. Video from the scene shows flames and smoke shooting out of the roof. It is not known if anyone was hurt in the blaze. Check back and watch Eyewitness News for live updates.

A person may be fined for loud music when driving through Mount Dora after the passing of a new noise ordinance.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora firefighters have been on a social media blitz trying to save a dozen jobs that could be cut at the end of the year. READ: Orange County Fire Rescue’s budget includes 4 new fire stations, training facilityMount Dora firefighters sent out a petition to the community, asking for support after they say the city was going to cut their staff. The petition reads: “The City of Mount Dora is pursuing the elimination of 12 firefighter positions from your fire department. Going from 36 firefighters, down to 24 firefighters.”READ: Orange County deputy married to man facing Capitol riot charges cleared in internal investigationThis would cut the services provided to citizens by a third, firefighters said. READ: IRS to issue more refunds to those who overpaid taxes on unemployment compensation©2021 Cox Media Group

An 18-year-old man from Mount Dora was killed in a single-vehicle crash

After a lengthy hiatus during the pandemic, the Modernism Museum in downtown Mount Dora is fully reopening its doors to the general public. The unique...

June 1 marks a historic day for residents of Mount Dora in Lake County as city council members signed a new proclamation formally recognizing June as LGBTQIA Pride month.

A man was hospitalized on Friday after being shot multiple times, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

Mount Dora considering changes to building height restrictions (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The face of downtown Mount Dora could change under a new proposal. The little town along Lake Dora has drawn visitors from all over, drawn by its quaint charm. Under a new proposal, the town leaders are considering allowing other buildings to also exceed the current height restrictions. READ: Tropical disturbances emerge near Texas, Bermuda ahead of hurricane seasonDenise Sendry moved to Mount Dora from Miami with her husband, and says she likes downtown the way it is. A town hall is scheduled for June 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora priest was reunited with her guide dog Thursday after the company that trained the dog reclaimed it from her without warning. Reverend Susan Blake has been visually impaired since birth. READ: Ocoee nursing home residents able to hug loved ones for first time in 15 monthsBlake says a worker from Southeastern Guide Dogs came to her home in March, unannounced, and took the dog, named Didi. Eyewitness News cameras were there Thursday as Blake was reunited with Didi after a preliminary order by a judge. Blake says the dog was taken care of and claims the company hadn’t even contacted her in more than a year before showing up at her home to take the dog.

On Tuesday night, Mount Dora City Council voted 5-1 to approve the development of a $50 million project next to historic downtown.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a 95-year-old man who went missing on Sunday.

Winter Park's regional superchain Foxtail Coffee Co. is getting even bigger. The company just announced two more locations in Mount Dora, bringing the total number...

Interim Police Chief Brett Meade has been appointed as the new Police Chief for the city of Mount Dora.

Firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a lightning strike Sunday at a home in Mount Dora, according to officials.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting Friday afternoon in which two individuals exchanged gunfire, officials with the department said. The shooting happened at Lincoln Avenue and Clayton Street, where shell casings were found in the road, police said, however, no victims have been found. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]AdPolice are looking for a black Honda vehicle that was last seen heading toward U.S. 441. Authorities are also looking for a Black male wearing a red shirt who was seen running from the area. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Mount Dora police.

FDLE issued a missing child alert Tuesday for John Weldon, who was last seen in the area of Mount Dora and could be with 42-year-old Daryl Weldon in a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Outlander with Florida tag IB14FR. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A missing 9-year-old Mount Dora boy has been found safe, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said. A missing child alert for John Weldon was canceled Wednesday morning. His mother told News 6 that he was located in a “remote area” of Minnesota and she’s making travel plans to be with him. Authorities said Daryl Weldon does not have custody rights.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – UPDATE: As of Tuesday, John Weldon has not been found and a missing child alert has been activated. ORIGINAL STORY: Mount Dora police have issued an alert for a missing 9-year-old boy who may be traveling out of state with a 42-year-old man. John Weldon, 9, was last seen Wednesday in the Mount Dora area. He is 4 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs 55 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about the case it asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7136 or 911.

Mount Dora police officers released a sketch of a man who attacked a woman in the area of Highland Street and 9th Avenue. MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police officers released a sketch of a man who attacked a female victim in the area of Highland Street and 9th Avenue. Police said around 10 p.m. on Feb. 28 the man approached the victim from behind, grabbed her by the neck and took her to the backyard of a home. Investigators said the victim was able to escape once the man left her alone. Police request when using the QR code prompt to make sure to reference case # 21MD05856.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The 46th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will welcome art lovers and artists on Saturday not just from Florida but from outside the Sunshine State as well. Ronald Weltmer, a woodwork artist who lives in Eustis, is excited to be attending the iconic festival for the first time. Organizers from the Mount Dora Center for the Arts said their priority is the public’s safety. Deborah Barnes, a jewelry artist in Mount Dora, has been part of the festival for more than 40 years and is looking forward to her first show in a year. Visitors are asked not to stroll around the festival with food or drinks to prevent them from taking off their face coverings.

click image Photo courtesy Mount Dora Arts Center/FacebookIt's not going to look like this in 2021The massively popular Mount Dora Arts Festival is returning for its 46th year this weekend. The free annual festival — though you really should buy something — will be taking over the historic district of Mount Dora outdoors Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Expect to see art across all media — from clay to metalwork to photography and everything in between — as well as food trucks and live entertainment.This year's event is going to look a lot different than in previous years. Organizers have pared down the number of exhibiting artists to around 130 to make for a "smaller footprint," and artist booths will be spaced 10 feet apart with physical distancing in mind.Masks are required at this event, and sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the area.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Officers with the Mount Dora Police Department said they haven’t made an arrest in the double homicide at the T&N Market from Nov. 30, 2020. Khiem “Ken” Ba Trinh, 56, and Minh “Tina” Nguyen, 47, were shot multiple times during an apparent robbery at their Mount Dora convenience store, according to police. This update to the homicide investigation follows the release of surveillance video released by Mount Dora police. [RELATED: New surveillance video shows gunman inside Mount Dora store moments before deadly shooting]Meade said he is hopeful the investigation will produce beneficial information to their investigation despite some challenges. “This is a forensics-based case, unfortunately, there are no eyewitnesses both Ken and Tina were brutally murdered,” Meade said.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora will begin administering second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Health officials in Lake County said second doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be done by appointment. Ron DeSantis at a press conference in Jacksonville Monday, reassuring seniors that they will be able to get their second doses. This morning in Seminole County, health officials were on-site while they began rolling out about 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine, according to leaders. In Orange County, cars lined up for second doses of the vaccine at the Orange County Convention Center.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The Lake County Department of Health will begin offering the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Dora this week. The DOH site will only be offering second doses at this site, no first doses, according to an email from Mount Dora Mayor Cathy Hoechst. It’s unclear when the site at 6803 Old Highway 441 South will begin giving first doses again as of Jan. 25. People who got their first dose from Lake County DOH will be contacted for an appointment. Beginning in February, by appointment only, the DOH will begin administering the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police say they’ve released video of a man burglarizing a local business in hopes that someone will recognize the culprit. The break-in happened at a business along Donnelly Street on Monday, police said. Police: Surveillance video shows man from business burglary (Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) Investigators believe the man may be involved in other incidents that occurred in the same area. If you recognize him, call Mount Dora Police at 352-735-7130.

Vaccination hubs to open across Texas; 3 locations opening in the Houston areaLAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Health Department of Health in Lake County opened a coronavirus vaccination site Monday with operations slated to run throughout the week. Health department leaders said St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora will help serve the northern side of the county. Patients 65 and older must bring identification and frontline workers must provide proof of employment. Health care workers will be required to present a copy of their medical license, employee badge or current paystub. People do not have to live in Lake County to get the shot.

Desecrated graves in Mount Dora (Polk County Sheriff's Office)During a news conference on Friday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that detectives served a search warrant at Lopez’s home where they found a shed with a religious shrine and seven skulls. Shrine in Lake Wales (Polk County Sheriff's Office)Before the men vandalized the grave sites, Judd said they drank Bacardi rum and spit it out on the ground. Authorities said DNA on those cigars left at the crime scene led them to identify the two men as suspects. “When asked about why a hero’s grave, He (Lopez) said because the spirit is much stronger in a hero than it is a normal person,” Judd said. “He complained that in the United States, it’s difficult in getting human remains to practice his religion.”Brian Montalvo, Juan Burgos-LopezBoth men were booked into the Polk County Jail on their Lake County warrants.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – DNA on cigars led to the arrest of two men who pried open caskets and stole human skulls from a Mount Dora cemetery so they could be used in religious rituals, according to Lake County sheriff’s officials. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the vandals disturbed four graves and attempted to access a fifth. Mother and daughter Tanya and Emma Boothe were driving along Britt Road in Mount Dora December 6, when they spotted an open casket. Records show Lopez said four of the skulls were taken from the graves and two were obtained from other practitioners. Lopez and Tolentino are facing four counts of disturbing the contents of a grave and four counts of abuse of a dead human body.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police released surveillance video Tuesday in the search for the gunman in a convenience store shooting that left a couple dead earlier this month. [WATCH BELOW: Surveillance video shows gunman inside T&N Market][MORE COVERAGE: ‘The man inside is dead:’ Woman calls 911 after Mount Dora store owners found fatally shot | Woman discovered Mount Dora shooting victims, left without calling 911, police say]Though authorities have not identified the gunman, they had made an arrest in the case. Dixon was connected to the case after she was seen in surveillance video recorded from outside of the store one minute after the shooting had occurred. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – More than one week after a Mount Dora couple was shot to death while closing their store, authorities have released a new 911 call detailing the moment residents found the shooting victims. “The man dead in the store, lady,” the 911 caller told the dispatcher. I don’t know if the killer’s still in here but the man in the store is dead,’” the woman said. Please call in those tips.”Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – An alert citizen driving by a Mount Dora cemetery saw something off and called 911 notifying the Lake County Sheriff’s Office about what they’re calling suspected ritualistic activity. Deputies said they were called Sunday afternoon to Edgewood Cemetery at 3333 Britt Road about a complaint of vandalism to some of the graves. [TRENDING: This woman received the first COVID-19 vaccine | Judge scolds theme park trespasser | Chuck Yeager dies at 97]The 911 caller said she was driving past the cemetery and noticed a disturbed tomb stone. “There are graves sites where the vault has been taken off and half of the coffin is gone,” the caller said. “If that was my family, I wouldn’t want somebody coming and digging them up,” the 911 caller said.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Human remains were stolen from a Mount Dora cemetery and used in some type of ritualistic activity, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they were called Sunday afternoon to Edgewood Cemetery at 3333 Britt Road about a complaint of vandalism to some of the graves. Deputies said the vandals disturbed four graves, all of which no longer held human remains, and attempted to access a fifth. Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to the vandalism by a woman who was driving past the cemetery and noticed a disturbed tomb stone. Deputies talked to residents who live nearby and they said they did not hear any loud noises coming from the cemetery.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – A woman was arrested Friday after Mount Dora police say she walked into a local business where a couple had just been shot and did not help. Dixon later told police she looked over the counter and saw Trinh and heard him moaning. Investigators said Dixon was recorded on surveillance video entering and leaving the store 1 minute after the shooting. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Brett Meade said investigators continue to search for the shooter and are closer to solving the crime. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A 43-year-old man was found dead Saturday after investigators say he was hit by a car. Investigators said the crash happened on Southbound 441 near Lincoln Avenue around 6:30 a.m. Saturday. According to the Mount Dora Police Department, officers responded to the area and found Cruz just south of Lincoln Avenue. 1 killed after hit-and-run crash in Mount DoraOfficers said there were no vehicles in the area when they arrived but determined that the driver involved was the original complainant and returned to the scene. According to officials, the driver is not faces any charges at this time.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The second store owner who was shot during a robbery Monday has died, according to Mount Dora police. Khiem Ba Trinh (Ken), 56, left, and Minh Nguyen (Tina), 47, right, were shot at their Mount Dora store on Nov. 30, 2020. Mount Dora police on Wednesday released a video of the gunman now accused in this double homicide. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Mount Dora police or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police on Wednesday released video of a gunman who they say shot two store owners, killing one of them, during a robbery. Video from outside the store shows a gunman wearing dark clothing forcing Trinh back into the store, where the robbery and shooting occurred, police said. No one else was in the store at the time of the shooting, Meade said. The armed robber is then seen on video leaving the store while carrying a white bag. T&N Market was called a staple of the northeast community, and authorities referred to the store owners as pillars of Mount Dora.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – One day has passed since a deadly shooting during an armed robbery at T & N Market in Mount Dora. According to family members, Trinh is on life support. [RELATED: Mount Dora store owner killed, co-owner injured during armed robbery]Authorities said surveillance cameras captured show the suspect in all black forcing Ken back into the market while he was attempting to close the store. Khiem Ba Trinh (Ken), 56, was shot at his Mount Dora store Nov. 30, 2020. A small consolation for a couple that community members said the couple gave back.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – A woman was shot and killed and a man was critically wounded Monday night during an apparent random robbery at their Mount Dora convenience store, according to police. Khiem Ba Trinh (Ken), 56, left, and Minh Nguyen (Tina), 47, right, were shot at their Mount Dora store on Nov. 30, 2020. T&N Market was called a staple of the northeast community, and authorities referred to the store owners as pillars of Mount Dora. Dora investigators are offering a cash reward if anyone can help make an arrest in this morning’s shooting/robbery at a convenience in Mount Dora. Checks made to Mount Dora Community Trust should include the memo: T and N Memorial Fund.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Three neighborhoods in Mount Dora are under a precautionary boil water notice due to a break in a 12-inch water main line, the city said. The affected neighborhoods are Loch Leven, The Lakes of Mount Dora and Lancaster, which are located north of U.S. 441 and east of State Road 44. | CDC gives guidance on Thanksgiving | Astronauts prepare for Saturday launch]Officials said the break led to a drop in water pressure that was significant enough to prompt a boil water notice Wednesday night. “Our crews will be working to repair the pipe and water samples are being pulled for testing. Once the water samples are cleared, the boil water notice will be lifted,” a city public information officer wrote in an email.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – The late turn of Tropical Storm Eta back toward Central Florida is giving people less time to get their homes and families prepared for the storm. | CDC gives guidance on Thanksgiving | Astronauts prepare for Saturday launch]“We’ve had a lot of people come in and they’re filling propane right now, they’re getting tarps,” Carter said. [LIVE: Eta briefings from News 6 weather team]Carter said they have been busy all day helping customers get ready for the storm. The county is offering free sandbags to residents in Astor near Lake County Fire State #10 at 23023 State Road 40. “Everyone is getting ready for flooding.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Some high school students in Lake County are getting a glimpse into the past after unearthing a time capsule. Seniors at Mount Dora High School recently gathered to open the capsule that contained artificats from both 1966 and 2000. [TRENDING: Donald Trump wins Florida | US presidential race results | Floridians vote to raise minimum wage to $15/hour]Officials say the time capsule contained yearbooks, a pager and a letter from President Bill Clinton. Students are now working to create a new capsule with items that will help represent 2020. Anyone who wants to donate items can mail them to Mount Dora High School, 700 N. Highland Street.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Voters in Mount Dora will have an opportunity to decide whether or not to extend the term for its mayors and other district representatives. Mayor, representative term limitsThe first proposal will ask voters to change the term of office for mayor, district representatives and the at-large representative to four years. Currently, such roles in Mount Dora serve two-year terms. The proposed change would limit the number of consecutive years the mayor, all-district representatives and the at-large representative can hold the same position. For more information and to see the City of Mount Dora addressed frequently asked questions regarding the proposals, click here.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – If you are looking for something to do on Saturday that will also help support small businesses, more than 30 merchants in downtown Mount Dora are hosting their first QR code scavenger hunt. It’s an idea started by Tish Ramsey, the owner of Steampunk Ally Nitro Ice Cream and Gifts. “We are adjusting the message to focus on fall fishing, fall-Agro tourism events , camping /glamping, and holiday events and lightings for the upcoming quarter,” said Tiffany Henderson, spokesperson for Lake County. The support from locals is what the small businesses in Mount Dora are grateful for, ready to bring them back down this ‘covid-friendly’ event Saturday. The QR Scavenger Hunt is free and registration begins at 11am in downtown Mount Dora, for more information click here.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Two men were arrested Thursday on murder charges in connection to the June shooting death of a 27-year-old in Mount Dora, officials said. Lake County sheriff’s deputies said Tevin Williams died in the shooting, which occurred June 19. Benn told investigators that he was involved in Williams' shooting death, saying he and two others planned to rob Williams, the affidavit stated. Williams tried to drive away but Benn said he held the car door open and Murrell shot Williams, according to authorities. Benn and Murrell were later arrested.

Mount Dora, Fla. – A new flyover bridge is set to open as early as Wednesday in Lake County. The bridge, part of the Wekiva Parkway project, will give drivers easier access to State Road 46 when driving on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. Transportation officials say the flyover is part of several upgrades to the area, including the widening of lanes, enhanced intersections and added bike lanes and sidewalks.

Its good to see guests coming in and doing it responsibly, said Joshua Jungferman, owner of Pisces Rising, a restaurant in Mount Dora. On Wednesday, May 20, the duo dined in for breakfast at Cheesers Palace Caf in downtown Clermont. The climate is much different than it ever used to be, but were rolling with the punches, Walsh said. Additionally, Walshs staff is sanitizing all surfaces on a normal basis and dividers aka clear shower curtains have been hung between some of the tables inside. In return, Jungferman said what hes noticed is that customers, though some are not wearing masks, are being cautious about keeping their distance.

We are so excited to be back open, said Christine Swain, general manager of Fitness CF in Mount Dora. People are just so excited to come back.MOUNT DORA On Monday, more restrictions were lifted across the state by Gov. One of which included the opening of gyms and fitness centers as long as they adhere to CDC guidelines for safety. Other local gyms and fitness centers that re-opened Monday include Anytime Fitness in Leesburg, No Limits Fitness in Tavares and Brigadeiro BJJ / MMA Academy in Eustis. Planet Fitness, which has gyms in Eustis and Leesburg, have announced that they will not re-open until May 26.

At-large Mount Dora Councilwoman Crissy Stile will not seek re-election at the city level so she can run for the Florida House of Representatives District 31 post. MOUNT DORA Mount Dora Councilwoman Cristine Crissy Stile has her eye on a house the Florida House of Representatives to be exact. Thats not happening here.Stile is the owner of Barrel of Books and Games in downtown Mount Dora. The 44-year-old has held the at-large seat on the Mount Dora council since being elected in Nov. 2018. She was born in New York and she has lived in Central Florida for more than 20 years, first in Apopka before moving to Mount Dora.

Starting Monday, drive-up COVID-19 or antibody tests wont be offered at two previously open test sites: Adult Medicine of Lake County in Mount Dora and the Leesburg location in front of Pat Thomas Stadium. TAVARES Lake County is consolidating its coronavirus test sites and nixing the resident discount. Starting Monday, drive-up COVID-19 or antibody tests wont be offered at two previously open test sites: Adult Medicine of Lake County in Mount Dora and the Leesburg location in front of Pat Thomas Stadium. Previously, either test cost $20 for residents, with the county kicking in $65 of the cost. The data gathered is helping us to identify people needing treatment and isolation, as well as supporting the reopening of our local economy.

The nostalgia is real for Barnwood BBQ owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus. They are also offering bulk dinners including the pig out feast with 1 1/2 pounds of pulled pork, two pint-size sides, four buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $29.99 or the hog wild feast with two pounds of pulled pork, two quart-sized sides, six buns and Barnwood BBQ sauce for $39.99. Substitute brisket for pulled pork for $5. Try the rib rack, meat shack and a pig to go special featuring one full rack of ribs, one pound pulled pork, one pound brisket, two quart-sized sides, six buns and a bottle of Barnwood BBQ sauce for $64.99. Barnwood BBQ, 3725 W Old US Highway 441 in Mount Dora, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To recognize the late Christine Coles accomplishments and keep her memory alive, the city of Mount Dora and her husband, Gene Packwood, planted and dedicated a magnolia tree at Simpson Cove near Granthum Point Park in March. MOUNT DORA In 1994, Christine Cole founded the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair and spent the next 25 years of her life to making it into one of Mount Doras most popular annual festivals. To recognize her accomplishments and keep her memory alive, the city of Mount Dora and her husband, Gene Packwood, planted and dedicated a magnolia tree at Simpson Cove near Granthum Point Park in March. At the closing of the ceremony, two of her college friends and I poured out her ashes and worked them into the soil at the base of the tree, Packwood said. Now Christines remains can nourish this tree the way she nourished the plant and garden fair.Packwood and Cole met in 1994 at a Fourth of July celebration in Mount Dora.

click image The new Backhaus Bakery in Mount DoraIt may not have been 'Rona-related, but the closure of Backhaus Bakery in Ivanhoe Village hit me where it hurts ... in my stomach.I mean the bakery was my go-to spot for croissants , Black Forest cake, pretzels, and German honey for nearly a decade.Last month, owners Benno and Heike Deifel announced they'd be moving the bakery to Mount Dora after landlords of the property at 1213 N. Orange Ave. said they wouldn't be renewing Backhaus' lease.Now an eyeglass shop will be moving into the space.Meanwhile, the new Backhaus is poised to open tomorrow (April 16) at 2355 Old W. Highway 441 in Mount Dora. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, though the bakery will limit the number of patrons to three. Curbside pickup will be offered.Just call 321-800-5212 to place your order.In the meantime, feel free to send me your croissant recs. I'll read them through watery eyes.

The city of Mount Dora is hosting a Virtual 5-kilometer race from May 1 through May 3. MOUNT DORA Just because social distancing has become the norm doesnt mean you cant get out and run a race. Especially in Mount Dora. The city of Mount Dora is hosting a Virtual 5k race from May 1 through May 3. For more information about the Virtual 5K Race, contact Michael Davis with the citys recreation department at davism@cityofmountdora.com.

In the meantime, they are asking theater lovers to help however they can and patrons to donate purchased tickets for the canceled shows back to the theater. Ticket sales for current fixed seat subscribers are ongoing and new fixed seat patron sales begin April 14. Flex pass seat reservations begin on April 14. We are going to continue doing excellent productions, Barry said. We keep all the financial concerns in mind that the coronavirus is causing and will continue to do excellent theater.

Our mission is to reduce the instances of food insecurity through education, enlightenment, and empowerment. One of the ways we carry out our mission is through our Hello Beautiful Girl Period Project. You might ask how this correlates to food insecurity? Any obstacle that prevents or reduces the amount of money spent on food is a contributor to food insecurity, so we seek to provide relief and increase resources for food purchases. If you would like more information about my nonprofit organization visit us on Facebook at Kitchn Lyfe Skills.

According to a Mount Dora arrest affidavit, the arrest first occurred after Thompsons wife called police to meet her at Target, where she explained Thompsons alleged abuses and accused him of tying her up and forcing her to have sex. MOUNT DORA Mount Dora Police arrested a man Saturday after his wife accused him of raping her and abusing her on a daily basis. She also told officers Thompson would force her to make certain posts on social media or he would take her phone away. They arrested Thompson not long after at a residence on Foxboro Ct. in Mount Dora. Thompson denied the accusations and later told police that his wife had asked to be tied up for sex and that he did not force her.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sumter-Square-at-The-VillagesMount Dora 110The city of Mount Dora is celebrating their 110th anniversary with a night full of events on Friday. Starting at 6 p.m., guests can meet the Donnellys, Tom and Lisa Donnelly, 530 N Donnelly St. in downtown Mount Dora, as they perform in costume as J.P. and Annie Donnelly enacting what life was like in Mount Dora in 1910. Then head on over to Donnelly Park for period jazz music featuring the Mount Dora High School Jazz Band. The Mount Dora History Museum will also be open, which is the location of the first fire-station. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/133139701437547/43rd Annual Leesburg Art FestivalSaturday and Sunday, experience and discover art from across Central Florida at the 43rd Annual Leesburg Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown streets.

CLERMONT The Real Life Christian Academy baseball team was in a five-run hole, before it even came to bat in Tuesdays game against Mount Dora at Bishop Field. Thats the big picture.The Raptors scored four runs on two hits in the sixth inning for the win. Reid Lisle, who had a two-run homer in the fourth, scored the winning run on a single by Ian Thornton. Gabe Schlabach, Thornton and Jack Musgrave also scored to provide Real Life was insurance runs heading into the seventh. For West Orange, Max McClusky had three hits and Wyatt Moore had two hits, three RBIs and scored three runs.

And on Friday evening, there will all kinds of birthday celebrating going on throughout Mount Dora. And on Friday evening, there will all kinds of birthday celebrating going on throughout Mount Dora. Additionally, Art in the Alley Friday will feature reminiscent pieces form the era at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. The free exhibit, sponsored by the Mount Dora Historical Society, is a unique show of Mount Dora Archives most iconic historical images juxtaposed against local artists modern-day interpretations of the city. Well get to see Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly walking the streets of Mount Dora in 2020, Hoechst said.

With the win, Real Life improved to 7-0, while the Hurricanes fell to 5-3. Real Life had only two hits in the inning, but took advantage of four walks and two crucial throwing errors. Chase Roberts, the third pitcher used by Mount Dora coach Chad Drosieko, was tagged with the loss. Next up for Mount Dora is Ocoee at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Heim Field. Real Life will travel to Orlando on Thursday to play The First Academy at the Orel Hershiser Field.

Crepes have a special place in Claire Ernsts heart, who opened Claire's Creperie in downtown Mount Dora last October. Her mother loved studying the French culture so, in an attempt to woo her, her father learned how to make crepes and surprised her with them. We got to visit all their home countries including Croatia and Macedonia, and tasted all the different crepes, Claire said. The Big Wu, named after one of the students, is a breakfast crepe featuring egg wash, ham, cheese, onion and a sesame blend for $8.99. Crepes range from $7.99 to $8.99 each with extra fillings or toppings available for $.50 each.

The Tavares High School boys and girls tennis teams are on a roll. MOUNT DORA The Tavares High School boys and girls tennis teams are on a roll. The girls team blanked Mount Dora 7-0, while the boys outlasted the Hurricanes 5-2. That would make it an already nice year even better.Singles winners for the Tavares girls team against Mount Dora included: Hannah Pait, Karley Paulling, Noelia Rodriguez and Tita Medina. For the boys, Tavares got wins in singles play from Cole Singer, Michael Imbrenda and Kannon Paulling.

To have been able to do this for Mount Dora is a big accomplishment and we are so proud of the vendors, the people who have supported them and our town," said Project Manager Dawn Williams of the Mount Dora Marketplace, a concept she had a hand in creating and bringing to fruition. MOUNT DORA Although the doors to the Mount Dora Marketplace have been open for a few months, the new downtown business was officially welcomed into the community Thursday by way of a ribbon cutting and celebration attended by hundreds. "This is so great for downtown Mount Dora. Mount Dora is loving us and we love it here too," Beatrice said. Ray and Kathy Roberts, a Mount Dora couple enjoying the festivities Thursday, said the appeal of the Marketplace extends from its offerings to a certain vibe that keeps them coming back.

Mental Mount Dora Murder Mystery DinnerIts dinner and a show Saturday with Mental Mount Dora Murder Mystery Dinner. Details: Mountdoralive.comSmooth Country BandThe Living Drama Theatre hosts the Smooth Country Band 7 p.m. Mondays. UPCOMINGDisney Frozen Jr.The Bay Street Players Young Peoples Theatre presents Disney Frozen Jr. at 7 p.m. March 5-7 and 2 p.m. March 8 at the Historic State Theatre in Eustis. Details: baystreetplayers.orgThe Last RomanceThe romantic comedy The Last Romance plays performances March 6-7 at the Living Drama Theatre in Eustis. Details: baystreetplayers.orgA Gentlemans Guide to Love and MurderThe IceHouse Players present A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder March 20 to April 12 at the Sonnetag Icehouse Theatre in Mount Dora.

MOUNT DORA Soon, people may be able to get between Mount Dora and Tavares via a recreational trail county officials are pushing for. This week, that trail -- dubbed the East Lake Trail -- got one step closer to being built. The event was hosted by Lake 100, along with partners The Chamber Alliance of Lake County and the Lake County League of Cities and attended by more than 100 Lake leaders and residents, including some from Mount Dora, Tavares and beyond. Tavares Spokesman Mark OKeefe said ongoing discussions about the trail are occurring daily between Lake County, Mount Dora, Tavares, the business and biking community and residents. Lake County, Mount Dora and Tavares are rowing together on this one no one is dragging an oar.

MOUNT DORA A Mount Dora detective was named the departments Officer of the Year at an awards ceremony honoring first responders at the Eustis Elks Lodge. Detective Angie Smith, who has spent 11 years with the department in patrol, investigations and officer training, won the award for a second time in her career following what Mount Dora Police Chief Robert Bell called an excellent year of policing. Neither Smith nor Bell could remember another two-time winner. She came to Mount Dora when her husband retired and wanted to spend that retirement fishing. Four of those arrests were in a case that gained national attention after four caregivers were arrested and accused of abusing a patient at a Mount Dora group home in August.

Mount Dora battered three MDCA pitchers in a 16-2 win in five inningsMOUNT DORA On a brutal night for pitchers, the Mount Dora High School baseball team battered three Mount Dora Christian Academy hurlers in a 16-2 win in five innings Friday at MDCAs Shane Hunton Memorial Field. With the win, Mount Dora improved to 2-0 on the season, while MDCA dropped to 1-2. Mount Dora scored eight runs off Bulldogs starting pitcher TyQuan Wiggins, who went four innings. Uzi Rosales started for Mount Dora and picked up the win. Next up, MDCA will travel to Lake Mary Prep, while Mount Dora will play at Orlando First Academy.

Locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood and Mount Dora chose to the help the theater, home of the Bay Street Players, for their annual Lowes Heroes project. EUSTIS The State Theatre in Eustis is getting a makeover thanks to the help of three local Lowes stores. Locations in Lady Lake, Wildwood and Mount Dora chose to the help the theater, home of the Bay Street Players, for their annual Lowes Heroes project. While it is not uncommon for multiple stores to work together to compete larger projects, the Bay Street Players project is the first time these three stores have worked together. We are focusing on getting back to our roots, Bay Street Players production manager Nina Vatter said.

Voters affected by polling place changes should have received notification and updated voter information cards by mail, the Supervisor of Elections Office said. TAVARES The Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office announced changes to early voting and Election Day polling locations last week ahead of the 2020 Presidential Preference Primary. Among those changes are the addition of one early voting location as well as changing one location in Mount Dora. For Election Day, held on March 17, polling place changes will affect six precincts. Voters affected by polling place changes should have received notification and updated voter information cards by mail, the Supervisor of Elections Office said.

The STEAM Bowl is scheduled for March 9-11 at the First Baptist Church of Mount Dora and the district is looking for donations. TAVARES Lake County Schools annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Bowl is set for next month. And the district is looking for partners to help fund it. Because of previous donors, we have been able to secure a location for the event, purchase necessary materials for the STEAM tasks, provide the winning team with medals and trophies, as well as provide recognition to all participants.Donations are due by Feb. 28 and can be mailed to Lake County Schools, Curriculum Department, Attention: Linda Carter-Countryman, 510 S. Palm Ave., Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737. For more information about donating, contact Tracy Wood at 352-253-6869.

Boys SoccerEliminated from district tournamentSouth Lake, Lake Minneola, Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, Umatilla, Real Life Christian, MDCA, First Academy of Leesburg. In Class 4A-5, South Sumter, the districts top seed, will play Inverness Citrus in Weeki Wachee at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Class 5A-5Second-seeded Leesburg will play Ocala Lake Weir, the districts seventh seed, at 6 p.m. on Monday at Belleview. South Sumter, the districts third seed, will play sixth-seeded Inverness Citrus at 7:30 p.m. on Monday in a quarterfinal contest. First Academy of Leesburg, the districts third-seeded team, will play Real Life Christian at 7 p.m. Monday at Winter Garden Foundation Academy.

Lake County elementary school students showed a wide variety of projects at this years regional science and engineering fair. MOUNT DORA Lake County elementary school students demonstrated creativity in this years regional science and engineering fair held Tuesday night at a church in Mount Dora. Best of Show honors for each grade level, which included a large trophy and a $50 prize, went to Grace Lively, a third grade student from Spring Creek Charter School; Hayden Creech, a fourth grade student from Umatilla Elementary School; and Cameron Allen, a fifth grade student from Imagine South Lake Charter. A list of all elementary school winners can be read here. The science and engineering fair is a week-long endeavor in Lake County.

Christine Palmer, an art teacher at Triangle Elementary School in Mount Dora, was recognized for her dedication to her students and her hard work bringing quality art education into the Mount Dora school. LEESBURG Triangle Elementary Schools Christine Palmer was named Lake Countys 2021 Teacher of the Year Thursday night at an awards banquet hosted by the Education Foundation of Lake County in the Venetian Center. Palmer, an art teacher known by her students and coworkers for tirelessly working to bring a quality arts education to students at the Mount Dora school, was overjoyed by her win. Christine is probably one of the hardest working educators Ive ever had the pleasure of working with, Straughan said. Palmers victory will see her eligible for the statewide title of Floridas Teacher of the Year, which is announced in July.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mount Dora Police Departments School Resource Officer Nate Warford was notified that a student had a gun at school. He and School Guardian Bob Dennison then put the school on lockdown as a precautionary measure. MOUNT DORA Two Mount Dora High School students were arrested Wednesday after it was discovered that they were in possession of a firearm. On Wednesday afternoon, the schools resource officer Nate Warford was notified that a student had a gun at school, according to a city press release. Warrford, of the Mount Dora Police Department, and School Guardian Bob Dennison then put the school on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

YOUR FORECAST: Prepare for a chillier weekend. FREE TREES: The cities of Tavares and Clermont are giving away free trees Saturday. Tavares hosts its Arbor Day Celebration from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. in Wooten Park. And Clermont starts its tree giveaway at 10 a.m. at Lake Hiawatha Preserves east pavilion, 420 Lake Minneola Shores. BILOXI BLUES: The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora presents the Neil Simon comedy Biloxi Blues opening Friday and playing until Feb. 9.

A look at whats playing, and whats upcoming, on local stagesArmy boot camp life is under inspection in the Neil Simon comedy Biloxi Blues, opening Friday at the IceHouse in Mount Dora. Biloxi BluesThe Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora presents the Neil Simon comedy Biloxi Blues opening Friday and playing until Feb. 9. Biloxi Blues is directed by Darlin Barry, with scenic design by David Clevinger, lighting design by Philip Lupo and costume design by Anna Maria Muller. Details: icehousetheatre.comUPCOMINGBaskerville A Sherlock Holmes MysteryThe Melon Patch Players in Leesburg present the comedy Baskerville A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Jan. 24-Feb. 9. Details: baystreetplayers.orgThe Drowsy ChaperoneThe Moonlight Players in Clermont present the musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone, Jan. 24 to Feb. 16.

The first episode of Cracked Mirrors is set to premier locally at Epic Theatres in Mount Dora on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and on Amazon in February. This is how Eustis filmmaker Lori Bajares describes her upcoming independent web series, Cracked Mirrors, that will expose the harsh reality of domestic violence, sex trafficking, suicide, drug abuse and other issues that affect our society. Although Bajares plays one of the main villains in the series, the plot pulls from her own experiences of survival. I can relate to every character in the series, Bajares said. When asked why she wanted to be a star, she told the judges about her mission to be the spokeswoman against domestic violence.